Friday, September 24, 2010

Isa. 12:1-3 In this text, there is one word that is used 3 times. That word is salvation. It is one of the most important words in the entire Bible! In fact, it is used 164 times in the Bible. In the Old Testament, the word comes from a Hebrew word which means, "Deliverance and victory." In the New Testament, it comes from a Greek word that means, "Deliverance, preservation, safety."Salvation is what we receive when we trust Jesus as our Savior! Salvation is the gift of God! Salvation is not a thing that we will receive some day, it is a present possession of every person who has fully trusted the Lord Jesus as their Saviour.

If you take the time to study the doctrine of salvation in the Bible, you will find that salvation is responsible for moving people from the place they are. Salvation always takes you somewhere! 1. It brought Israel out of bondage – Ex. 14:132. It brought Jonah out of the whale – Jonah 2:93. It brought David out of the pit – Psalms 40:1-34. It brought Paul out of a lost condition – 1 Tim. 1:12-155. It brings every sinner out of darkness – 1 Pet. 2:9I would like to take a few minutes to tell you where salvation, if you have it, will take you. Notice four places salvation will take you.

I. John 14:1-3 IT WILL TAKE YOU TO HEAVEN A. Salvation is the key that opens the door to the kingdom of God. B. The glories of that city – Rev. 21:4; 21:9-22:6. C. All believers are going there someday!

II. 2 Cor. 5:17 IT WILL TAKE YOU INTO HOLINESSA. Salvation will alter your life! No man can receive Jesus and remain the same.B. One mark of true repentance unto salvation is a drastically changed life – 1 John 2:9; 3:7-10. C. There will be a difference – Gal. 5:22-23; Matt. 12:33!D. There will be a desire to serve the Lord – Eph. 2:10; James 2:18.

III. Mark 16:15 IT WILL TAKE YOU INTO THE HARVESTA. Sharing the Gospel is a mark of genuine salvation – Acts 1:8B. Jesus never called us to be lazy, He called us to be busy letting our lights shine for Him – Matt. 5:16. C. Every Christian is a witness! Either for or against Jesus! Which are you?

IV. Heb. 10:25 IT WILL TAKE YOU TO THE HOUSE OF GODA. Salvation is always accompanied by a desire to gather with the saints and to worship the Lord.B. Jesus went to church – Luke 4:16.C. There will be a desire to praise, worship and serve the Lord!

If your salvation won’t take you to Holiness, the Harvest or the House Of God, it probably won’t take you to Heaven either! Be sure you are trusting jesus for salvation – 2 Pet. 1:10.